“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” star Thomas Mann has signed on as the lead to the dark comedy “Beef” with John Stalberg Jr. directing.
The Exchange announced Wednesday on the opening day of the American Film Market that it has acquired international sales rights and attached Mann. WME is handling domestic rights.
The project’s script, written by Jeff Lock, made the 2014 Black List of best unproduced screenplays.
The story, described as being in the vein of the Coen Brothers’ “Fargo,” centers on a small town fast food manager who gets in way over his head with the local crime syndicate.
Tom McNulty from MC2 Entertainment is producing. His credits include “Date Night” and “The Spectacular Now.”
“‘Beef’ is a smart, fun and has a high concept film that can be sold globally,” said The Exchange chief Brian O’Shea. “The script is a great read, with pitch perfect dialogue, interesting characters, and compelling storylines. This dark comedy is perfect for all audiences including millennials, and will be a great platform for Thomas Mann.”
The Exchange AFM lineup includes “Gleason,” “A Street Cat Named Bob” and “Kickboxer: Vengeance.” It’s launching production on “The Lady and the Panda,” starring Rebecca Ferguson, and Lin Oeding’s “Office Uprising.”
Mann’s credits include “Project X” and the upcoming “Kong: Skull Island.” Stalberg directed “High School,” starring Adrien Brody and Colin Hanks.
